Sutaj Estok: Transaction Tax Needs to Be Discussed by Coalition Council

Bratislava, April 7 (TASR) - Representatives of the coalition Voice-SD party are ready to discuss at a Coalition Council session Slovak National Party (SNS) leader Andrej Danko's proposal to abolish the financial transaction tax, but Voice-SD leader and Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok stressed on Monday the need to continue working on consolidating public finances and finding alternative ways to secure funds. "We're ready to discuss the proposals submitted by Mr. Danko regarding the abolition of the transaction tax at a Coalition Council meeting. I'd be the first to welcome the removal of this tax. I would also be glad if the tax bonus and parental pensions were preserved," stated Sutaj Estok. The minister said that the decision on consolidation, including the introduction of the transaction tax, was made by the entire coalition. "Not because we had nothing else to do, but because it was necessary to consolidate after the previous government destabilised the state budget. If Mr. Danko comes up with measures to compensate for the shortfall regarding what would happen if the transaction tax were abolished, which is around €700 million, then let's go for it," he stated. According to Sutaj Estok, the Coalition Council is the right place for discussion. Andrej Danko announced on Saturday (April 5) that SNS will propose the abolition of the transaction tax at a Coalition Council session. If the proposal fails, he'll insist on amendments. According to him, the new tax is a disaster for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and it's inconceivable to continue to implement it regardless of the state of public finances. lin/df